Yūbari-class destroyer escort

The Yūbari-class destroyer escort^[a] (or frigate) of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is the successor to the Ishikari-class destroyer escort and primarily focused on anti-submarine warfare. The class comprised two ships and were in service from 1983 to 2010. They were followed by the Abukuma-class destroyer escort.

Description

This class was based on the design of the predecessor JS Ishikari but was enlarged with improved accommodation and fuel capacity. The ships have a standard displacement of 1,470 tonnes (1,450 long tons) and 1,690 t (1,660 long tons) at full load. They measure 91 meters (298 ft 7 in) long with a beam of 10.8 m (35 ft 5 in) and a draft of 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in).^[1] They have a complement of 95 personnel.^[2]

The class retained the CODOG propulsion system consisting of a Rolls-Royce Olympus TM-3B manufactured by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries under license used for boosting, creating 21,200 kW (28,400 horsepower). The cruising engine is the Mitsubishi/MAN 6DRV 35/44 diesel engine, turning two shafts with controllable pitch propellers creating 3,470 kW (4,650 hp), reaching a maximum speed of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph).^[1][2]

The class is equipped with OPS-28 surface search and target acquisition radar. They utilize the FCS-2 fire-control system for the 76-millimeter (3.0-inch) gun. For electronic support measures, the escorts are equipped with NOLR 6B system. The ships sport the SQS-36J hull-mounted sonar for subsurface targeting. For anti-missile defence, the Yūbaris have two Mk 36 SRBOC six-barrelled chaff launchers.^[2]

This class is equipped with eight Boeing Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles as the key weapon system, in two quad launchers. They also mount 76 mm/62 Compact gun.^[2] Provision for a Phalanx CIWS was made in the stern area, although it was never installed.^[1] They are also armed with two triple-mounted HOS-301 324 mm (12.8 in) torpedo tubes for Mk 46 Mod 5 torpedoes.^[2] For anti-submarine defense, the vessels mount a Bofors 375 mm rocket launcher.^[2]

Ships in the class

Construction and career

Only two units were ordered, the second in Fiscal Year (FY) 1980–81.^[1] However, a change in policy beginning in 1983 saw the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force change its focus from anti-submarine warfare defense to offshore sea lane and communication defense. As a result, no new hulls were purchased and they were only followed by the larger Abukuma-class destroyer escort in FY 1987–88.^[3] Both ships of this class were deployed at the Ominato District Force (home-ported at Mutsu, Aomori). The Ominato District is the northernmost district of the JMSDF and forefront against the Russian Pacific Fleet.

See also

• List of frigates

Notes

1. ^ Sometimes Yuubari depending on romanization.
2. ^ Sometimes Yuubetsu depending on romanization.

Citations

1. ^ Grove & Scheina 1995, p. 233.
2. ^ Saunders 2004, p. 395.
3. ^ Grove & Scheina 1995, pp. 221, 233.

References

• Grove, Eric & Scheina, Robert L. (1995). "Japan". Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995. Gardiner, Robert; Chumbley, Stephen; & Budzbon, Przemysław (eds.). Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. pp. 220–245. ISBN 1-55750-132-7.
• Saunders, Stephen (ed.) (2004). Jane's Fighting Ships 2004–2005. 107 ed. Alexandria, Virginia: Jane's Information Group Inc. ISBN 0-7106-2623-1.
• SOW editorial office (December 2007). "Adieu! Japan's first gas turbine DE "Ishikari"" (in Japanese). Ships of the World. ' (683): 147–149. Kaijinn-sha.